[SOCCER AMERICA AWARDS] Forward Giuseppe Gentile, who was instrumental in Charlotte's unprecedented run to the Men's College Cup final, is the 2011 Soccer America Men's Freshman of the Year.

Gentile, the Atlantic-10 Freshman of the Year, led the 49ers with 10 goals.

In the NCAA Tournament, he had the tying goal against Furman in the first round, assisted on the winning goal at UAB in the second round, scored the only goal in the win over defending champion Akron in the third round and had the late tying goal in the shootout win at UConn in the quarterfinals.

He also scored game-winners against Campbell, St. Bonaventure, Duquesne and Massachusetts during the regular season.

Gentile is a local product, having attended Ardrey Kell High School and played for Charlotte Soccer Academy.